Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

HAPPY NEW YEAR RICHARD

January 1, 2006

Richie,

It's Christmas Eve and the kids are all in bed and I'm sitting here looking at the Christmas tree and remembering all our Christmases together. You loved Christmas so much! I'm trying to make things fun for the kids, but it's just not the same without you. We all miss you so much. Stay close. I love you.

Laurie
Wife

December 24, 2005

Hey Rich,
Sorry for not reaching out much lately but I guess I got a sign, Laurie sent Cheryl and I a Christmas card and I was like "Holy Smokes" I really did'nt say "Smokes" but you get the drift. Your family is beautiful (thank God for Laurie) Let's face you and I were not box of choclates but we both did real well and married beautiful women and had beautiful kids. Your daughters are gorgeous and Conner, well lets just say I see the same thing in his eyes as you had. Laurie, if your reading this and I'm sure you are, you better buckle up! All kidding aside, I think of you often and still miss you. Stay in touch!

Miss Ya!
Rusty

December 22, 2005

Richie,

Happy Birthday! I'm sure your up in Heaven enjoying your day with a little football on TV, you in the recliner with Tara on your lap and other family members close by, a stromboli on your plate, a beer in your hand and a non-frosted cake waiting for dessert. I miss being able to celebrate with you, but am still so thankful that we didn't listen to you on your last birthday with us. I'm so glad we were able to have a party to celebrate you and let you know how much you mean to us. We still celebrate this day and everything you brought to our lives. We love you.

Laurie
wife

November 30, 2005

Richie,

Another Thanksgiving has come and gone. I am still so very thankful that you were a part of my life. You taught me so much and gave me so many wonderful gifts. Because of all that you shared, you remain with us forever. We continue to play football on Thanksgiving morning. It's a great way to start the day and we always have such a great time; and of course football always brings you to mind. You must be loving the Penn State season! Connor and I have been watching every game. He actually has me even watching other games. He even quizes me on the pro team players and the colleges they went to just like you always did! He reminds me so much of you, as do the girls. Kelly has your knack for figuring out how to work things or put things together without reading the directions, Megan has your sunny disposition and Katie has your sense of responsibility. I am so grateful that you passed these wonderful qualities along to our children. You are forever in my heart.

Laurie
wife

November 27, 2005

Richie,

We missed you so much yesterday. I could feel you there, but sometimes I'm selfish and the feeling just isn't good enough. Please keep me going and make me stronger. I love you.

November 13, 2005

Thank you for all you did Richie. Thank you for your patience when I was learning. Thank you to your family for so much! I'll never forget that day & how it felt. I'm now part of a site called Police Wives Online (PWO) I'm a H.U.G.S. sister (Helping Uplift Grieving Survivors),I hope I can make a difference. I know you are watching all of your brothers & sisters in blue from above Richie, please take care of my husband ok? I don't worry like some wives cause I was on the other end of the radio for so long, but I know that as all of them, he can use all the angels he can get & you were always one of the very best! Hey, tell Ronnie hi for me ok?
To your wife & kids, if you ever need anything, my email address is in the form above~our program is for everyone!! Doesn't have to be a recent thing! You guys have been in my thoughts & prayers for years now!
~Kat

#438
Former County Dispatcher/Current Officer's Wife

October 30, 2005

Richie- I had my birthday...the big 28. Its just not the same without my big brother/godfather to be around. I miss you so much...I love you.

shrimp

Erin

October 19, 2005

Another police officer from Pennsylvania was killed last week and it breaks my heart. I hate for any other family to have to go through such pain. I hate to hear of another child who will have to grow up without their father or a wife who must travel through her life alone or parents who must say goodbye to their child. It makes me angry that so many people have to be in pain, but then I also relaize the joy that so many people experience because of this one life. It made me realize that we are all hurting so much because you brought so much to our lives and for that I will be forever grateful. Every tear that has been shed because you are gone is a tribute to how much you are loved and missed. Instead of being angry I choose to be grateful and feel blessed. Thank you Richie and thank you God.

Laurie
Richie's wife

October 4, 2005

Richie,

Happy Anniversary. With all the hurricane talk lately, I couldn't help but think about our wedding and Hurricane Hugo. The weather may have been bad, but we had such a great time. I wish you could be here to celebrate with me. I miss you so much. I'm always thinking of you and all the wonderful times we had. I'm so grateful for them. Thank you for everything. Stay close. I love you.

Laurie
Richie's wife

September 23, 2005

A LETTER FROM HEAVEN

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...

but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.

I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.

Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.

Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.

That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,

God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you.

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.

As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.

I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.

There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man."

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.

And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.

And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight,

God and I are closest to you...in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years,

because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.

But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.

Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all what God has planned.

But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.

But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.

I'm closer to you now, Than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;

but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.

It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...

that as you go unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,

then you can say to God at night..."My day was not in vain."

And now I am contented...that my life has been worthwhile,

knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,

just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.

When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;

I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go...from that body to be free,

remember you're not going...you're coming here to me

Author-Ruth Ann Mahaffey

September 16, 2005

I could really use your smile and your shoulder today. I miss you so much.

September 6, 2005

I love you and I miss you.

August 31, 2005

Richie,
We just got home from spending 2 weeks at the shore with your family. We spent yesterday together as I know you would want it. Sometimes it seems like that tragic day was just days ago because the pain and memory of it are so fresh, and other times it seems like forever since I've seen your smiling face. I miss you more than words can express. I don't think I even realized how close we were. It seems everything I do brings you to my mind. I have gotten to the point that I don't always cry over these thoughts, but I smile and appreciate that I have these memories to hold on to and get me through the lonely and tough times. Like always, I'm thinking of you and love you forever.

Laurie
Richie's wife

July 29, 2005

Richie- 2yrs...feels like 2 days. I miss you. Please help us live without you.
One month and football will be in the air...gotta love it.

Love you,

Erin
sister

July 29, 2005

On this second anniversary, May God grant Officer Lawn's Family, Fellow Officers and Friends. the Serenity to accept the things they cannot change, Courage to change the things they can, and the Wisdom to know the difference...Rest in Peace Blue Angel Your sacrifice is not forgotten...

Officer Debra McFall Ross
East Buffalo Twp P.D. Lewisburg, Pa.

July 28, 2005

No words can ease the pain suffered when an officer dies. No words can replace the husband, father, partner or friend. But to those whose lives were touched by Officer Richard Lawn Jr., know that his memory continues on in all who wear the badge.

Master Trooper
Virginia State Police

July 28, 2005

God will always bless you live on soldier live on.

July 28, 2005

Wanted to leave a reflection to let you know that you have not been forgotten and that you are a true hero.

Robert Gordon, father of fallen officer Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

Robert Gordon, Asst. Chief, Retired
Riverside PD, Illinois

July 27, 2005

Hi Uncle Richie

I just wanted to say hi and let you know how well Katie, Kelly, Connor and Megan are doing. Even though they are really sad they are really fun to play with! My new house (not really new, we've lived in it for a year) is right next to the place you used to work, the Lower Gwynedd Police Station! I wish you were still there because me and my family would always be visiting you.

My dad made lisence plates that say "In Our Hearts- Officer Richard Lawn." Now all your family has them on the front of their cars. I don't have a car yet, I can't even DRIVE yet (five years to go!) so I put it on my bedroom door. When I get a car (trust me, THAT won't be for a while- my parents barely trust me in a go kart) you can look down from heaven and see it on the front!

I hope you got to see the superbowl on the biggest TV screen ever!

Love,
Your niece
Reagan

Reagan Lawn

July 27, 2005

Rich,

Just wanted to let you know I am thinking about you. I can't believe it's been 2 years now. It should be a good (better) year for PSU football and hopefully the birds will do well again. I can just hear you now talking about TO and his coontract holdout.

Take care

July 27, 2005

"And I believe that angels breathe and that love will live on and never leave"

by R. Marx I. Thompson

July 16, 2005

Richie,

Just wanted to let you know how much I still miss you. It still dosen't seem possible. Laurie and the kids are still so strong, I sure some of it is a front, but I am proud of them. Keeping sending your help we need it.

July 12, 2005

Daddy,
You were a great teacher in sports. You were very nice and explained things to me if I didn't get it. I love you daddy. I won your award at school and it made me so proud. I miss you so much.

Connor
Son

July 7, 2005

What a beautiful tribute site. I'm crying.
I will keep the Lawn children, Laurie and the rest of the Lawn Family in my prayers.
Keep strong. Even though I never met Officer Lawn, I feel that is what he would want his loved ones to do. Stay strong!

July 6, 2005